St. John the Baptist

Description John the Baptist is portrayed with the disheveled locks and beard of a desert hermit, wearing the camel's hair clothing and leather belt described in the Gospels. His cross-shaped staff alludes to Christ's future death. The Greek inscription on the cameo identifies John as the "forerunner" or "precursor" (Prodromos) of Jesus.

Exhibitions

• Early Christian and Byzantine Art. Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore. 1947.
• Realms of Faith: Medieval and Byzantine Art from the Walters Art Museum. Museum of Biblical Art, New York; Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville; Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha. 2008-2009.

Provenance Henry Walters, New York [date of acquisition unknown], by purchase; Sadie Jones (Mrs. Henry Walters), 1931, by inheritance; Sale, Parke-Bernet, New York, November 30, 1943, no. 483; Fahim Kouchakji, New York, 1943, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1944, by purchase.

Credit Museum purchase [formerly part of the Walters Collection], 1944